Sharpen Your Mind and Have Fun With Tux - page 3

Games and Applications for Youngsters

October 27, 2008

By
Eric Geier

Remember Doom,
where you go around shooting up alien-like beings? Well, there is FreeDoom
(see Figure 6), which is a set of open source graphics files for the open source
versions of the Doom
engine. Another first-person shooter game you may also want to check out is Nexuiz.
Just keep in mind these game aren't appropriate for most youngsters. If you're
looking for something fun and not violent, check out Secret
Maryo Chronicles, 2D game modeled after Super
Mario Bros.

If you're looking for space-type strategy and simulation games, try Allegiance,
an online multiplayer game originally developed and sold by Microsoft
Research. You participate in space wars by piloting spacecraft to defend and
attack sectors in space, led by a Commander who tries to lead your team to
victory. There is also Vega Strike,
where you can trade, fight, and explore in the vast universe.

If ancient history interests you, check out Freeciv
(see Figure 7), similar to Civilization
II. Set in 4,000 BC, you guide your people through the centuries to build
new cities. The goal is to be the best and longest lasting civilization. While
increasing your wealth and cultural and scientific advances, you'll wage wars on
one another and/or form diplomatic relationships. A somewhat similar game, FreeCol,
starts in the year 1492. You try to settle colonies in the New World, with help
from the European king. The objective is to build up your colonies to survive
without outside aid, while defending against attacks from the rival Europeans.

This has been a very brief introduction to some of the games and applications
that caught our eye; there are many more out there. You may want to search the SourceForge
site or reference the list
on Wikipedia for more options. Remember, some games, such as those strategy
ones, may pose a significant learning curve. Searching Wikipedia
may also be able to help you discover what a particular game is all about and
how to play. Just have fun and don't get addicted!